More than 30 ministers and lay preachers from Chester-le-Street Methodist circuit have taken part in a Christian arts day aimed at making services more exciting.

The event, which was held at Chester-le-Street Methodist Church hall, was hosted by charity Feed the minds and activities included dance, storytelling, photography and creative writing.

Regional organiser Maggie Rich said: "The idea is they can use today to make worship more interesting, dynamic and lively.

"Instead of reading a sermon, they can be telling a story, or using images on photographic slides during prayer."

Proceeds from the event will go to Feed the Minds, which runs literacy and creative writing schemes in developing countries.